Magnesium-thorium question

["Mike Carstensen" <carstensenm@edaw.com>]

Hi,
I'm new to this list (and to radsafe issues overall).
I need some help and hope someone can at least 
point me in the right direction.

I am a member of a team working on an environmental
assessment that involves missile test launches.
The proposed missiles use surplus POLARIS 
1st- and 2nd-stage boosters.  The skin on the 
boosters is made from HK31A-H24 Magnesium-
thorium, less than 3% thorium according to what
we've been told.

A statement has been made, but not signed off to,
that the "alloy's radioactivity measures less than 80
microcuries and is handled as a normally occurring
radioactive material."  There have been other 
statements bandied about to the effect that the
radiation from this is less than that from a watch.

The public is concerned and I am looking for a 
way to accurately and appropriately address their
concerns.  This doesn't mean placate.  If there
is a genuine safety issue, I need to be able to 
show what clearly what the saety issue is, etc...

Any pointers would be appreicated.  Please note
that it is not my desire to get into any kind of 
issue as to whether these tests are 'right' or 
'wrong'.  I just want to be able to analyze their
use appropriately so the decisionmaker can
make a properly-informed decision about the
project.

Thanks in advance,

Mike Carstensen
Staff Environmental Specialist
EDAW, Inc.
256-430-5560

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